The hard-working movers and shakers behind a successful networking club for hundreds of business people across Berkshire have been nominated for a Pride of Reading Award.

Dene Tonna and Helen Waring from the First Friday Club Reading (FFC) could scoop the much-coveted Business in Action Award at this year’s glitzy awards ceremony after being put forward by Dr Fraser Reynolds, from Wokingham.

Dr Fraser, a veterinary surgeon at the Moor Cottage Veterinary Surgery in Binfield, said: “For 10 years, both Dene and Helen have been working together under the umbrella of the FFC to bring confidence to local businesses by creating a community of SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises] and corporates that work stronger together.

“The best networking club in Berkshire I’d say. And they continue to do this in their own time and take no profit [from it].

“Dene and Helen are always raising money and awareness, not only for charitable associations but local SMEs alike. Being new to the local business industry myself, they have introduced me and helped me become part of the local business community.

“This I know can be and will be echoed by many FFC members and local charities, including Launchpad and No5 Young People’s Counselling Service.

On being told of their Pride of Reading nomination, Mr Tonna said: “Being nominated is very exciting and makes me really pleased that the hard work Helen and I have put into the First Friday Club over the past ten years has been recognised. It’s very humbling to know that what we’ve achieved has helped others.”

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Mrs Waring, director of Cream Design, said: “Dene and I work hard to keep the First Friday Club fresh, helping new venues in the town to showcase themselves as well as those that have been loyal to us from the beginning.

“We are very pro-active in helping to connect the Reading business community, which we are very proud of. We have great fun working together and with our sponsors, so this nomination is the icing on the cake.”

Mr Tonna, who lives in Wokingham, added: “It is such an honour to be nominated alongside such an incredible selection of other local businesses. Networking is an important part of any industry so to be nominated by one of our members and someone who is also a friend makes us feel so proud.”

On what makes him most proud of FFC, he said: “Seeing our members make connections and, in many cases, turning those business connections into work, and friendships. We see lots of friendships blossom.”